Guiding Students Toward A Deeper Understanding of the Natural World

Jenna and Raegan share their experiences conducting research in faculty labs and through our inquiry-based capstone laboratory course, participating in campus organizations and living on the Bluff.
Biology majors acquire a breadth of knowledge across topic areas representing multiple levels
of modern biological sciences. Interdisciplinary course requirements include courses in
chemistry, physics, scientific writing and statistics that prepares students for upper-level
biology courses as well as their future careers. Our capstone course focuses on inquiry-based scientific discovery, and we provide ample opportunities for students to engage in undergraduate research in a faculty laboratory. Our graduates are successfully prepared for graduate school, professional (medical, dental, veterinary) school and technical positions in laboratories, among other careers.

Darwin Day 2023: A Taste for the Beautiful

Is beauty in the eye—or brain—of the beholder? Explore Darwin’s theory of Sexual Selection and why animal behavior in various species from Túngara frogs to humans seems to favor beautiful traits when selecting a mate.

Faculty and Staff

Jana Patton-Vogt, Ph.D.

Jana Patton-Vogt, Ph.D.

Chair and Professor, Biological Sciences

Phillip Auron, Ph.D.

Phillip Auron, Ph.D.

Professor, Biological Sciences

Becki Campanaro, Ph.D.

Becki Campanaro, Ph.D.

Teaching Assistant Professor, Biological Sciences

Elisabeth Chalovich, Ph.D.

Elisabeth Chalovich, Ph.D.

Teaching Assistant Professor, Biological Sciences

Kasey Christopher, Ph.D.

Kasey Christopher, Ph.D.

Teaching Assistant Professor, Biological Sciences

Bryan Delius, Ph.D.

Bryan Delius, Ph.D.

Teaching Assistant Professor, Biological Sciences

Jill Dembowski, Ph.D.

Jill Dembowski, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor, Biological Sciences

Jan Janecka, Ph.D.

Jan Janecka, Ph.D.

Associate Professor, Biological Sciences

Wook Kim, Ph.D.

Wook Kim, Ph.D.

Associate Professor, Biological Sciences

Jason Heming, Ph.D.

Jason Heming, Ph.D.

Teaching Assistant Professor, Biological Sciences

David Lampe, Ph.D.

David Lampe, Ph.D.

Professor, Biological Sciences

Joseph McCormick, Ph.D.

Joseph McCormick, Ph.D.

Professor, Biological Sciences

Brady Porter, Ph.D.

Brady Porter, Ph.D.

Associate Professor, Biological Sciences

Michael Seaman, Ph.D.

Michael Seaman, Ph.D.

Associate Professor, Biological Sciences

Kyle Selcer, Ph.D.

Kyle Selcer, Ph.D.

Associate Professor, Biological Sciences

John Stolz, Ph.D.

John Stolz, Ph.D.

Professor, Biological Sciences and Director, Center for Environmental Research and Education

Nancy Trun, Ph.D.

Nancy Trun, Ph.D.

Associate Professor and Director of Graduate Studies, Biological Sciences

Sarah Woodley, Ph.D.

Sarah Woodley, Ph.D.

Associate Professor, Biological Sciences

Stephanie Kotsch

Stephanie Kotsch

Financial Manager, Biological Sciences

Katherine Robertson

Katherine Robertson

Administrative Assistant, Biological Sciences

Kim Nath

Kim Nath

Laboratory Manager, Biological Sciences

Thomas Kelly

Thomas Kelly

Laboratory Technician, Biological Sciences

John Pollock

John Pollock

Professor and Co-Director of the Chronic Pain Research Consortium, Biological Sciences

Start Here. Go Anywhere.

Boy studying microscope

Undergraduate Research Opportunities

All Biological Sciences majors will engage in meaningful research experiences.

Faculty Mentoring student

Success at Duquesne University & Beyond

You will build the skills necessary to succeed in a broad range of science or health-related careers

students working together in bio lab

Modern Teaching & Research Facilities

Modern research equipment and teaching facilities will prepare you for scientific pursuits in today’s world.

Explore our degrees & programs

 
bachelor of science in biological sciences

B.S. IN BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES

The Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences offers four concentrations that allow for specialized areas of study, including general biology, molecular biology, physiology biology and evolution & organismal biology.

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pre-med and pre-health preparation

PRE-MED & PRE-HEALTH PREPARATION

If you’re interested in a career in medicine or healthcare, a B.S. in Biological Sciences is a great choice for you. Our comprehensive curriculum and small classroom sizes along with our newly-renovated teaching labs are designed to help you meet the most common requirements for entry into medical, dental and other healthcare related professional programs.

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biological sciences graduate program

BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES GRADUATE PROGRAM

The Ph.D. in Biological Sciences program is focused on research. Students can choose to specialize in one of many areas of biology, including microbiology, cell biology, evolutionary biology, neurobiology, physiology, endocrinology or field biology.

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biology honors program

BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES HONORS PROGRAM

The Biological Sciences Honors Program provides Biology students with an opportunity to turn their undergraduate research experience into a formal honors thesis. The program integrates all components of the biological sciences- basic research and the scientific method, study of primary literature, and communication of advanced scientific knowledge. Students conduct a results-based independent research project under the tutelage of a Faculty member while participating in a seminar course designed for students doing undergraduate research. Students who have experience doing independent research are invited to apply to the Honors Program no later than the spring of their junior year.

 

 

Questions? Contact Us!

Jana Patton-Vogt

Department Chair, Biological Sciences

Jana Patton Vogt headshot